November 18/01 4:56 am - CC Awards, Hell of the North, Giro, 'Cross

Roland Green has repeated as Canadian Cyclist of the Year, for both Male Athlete and Individual Performance, while Lyne Bessette took the Female Athlete title.

Roland Green had a dream season in 2001, winning the world titles in both cross-country and team relay, the World Cup title (including two World Cup races), two Norba titles (XC and short track) and the Canadian XC title. He was completely dominant in reader voting, taking 75% of votes cast. Michael Barry finished second in the Male Athlete category. Green won the Best individual Performance award for his world championship ride in Vail, Colorado, with Genevieve Jeanson's Montreal World Cup win second most popular among our readers.

Lyne Bessette had an equally impressive season on the women's side, winning the Tour de l'Aude and HP stage races (two of the most important women's stage races in the world), plus two national titles and numerous other wins and high placings. She has continued into the fall by tearing up the cyclo-cross scene in the northeast. Bessette accomplished all this despite breaking her collarbone in March. Chrissy Redden, who won the World Cup final and had numerous other podium finishes was second in balloting.

The Canadian Cyclist Awards are now in their fifth year, and are the only reader's choice awards for the cycling community in Canada.

Randall Wins of the North

Andrew Randall has won the season-ending 148 kilometre Hell of the North race organized by Mike Barry, by outsprinting Erin Fillion and Martin Gerlacky. Michael Barry, recently signed to U.S. Postal, was the favourite and did have a solo lead at the 120 kilometre mark before going off course and losing 20 minutes.

Barry, Dede Demet-Barry and Rodney Merchant took an early lead in the event before being joined by chasers, so that by the 18 kilometre point there was a group of 12 at the front. At the 50 kilometre point Barry and Stacy Wahl had a few seconds lead over a scattered field, and their lead grew to 2:10 after 80 kilometres. It appeared that the race would come down to these two riders, but then both suffered mishaps. Wahl punctured, and then shortly afterwards Barry went off course.

Behind, Peter Morse (who had punctured early in the race and managed to work his way back up), Fillion and Gerlacky suddenly found themselves at the front, and were soon joined by Randall, Wahl and a few others. Fillion and Gerlacky managed to get a gap by the 20 kilometres to go mark, but Randall bridged up, setting the stage for the sprint.

Results to follow.

Thanks to Mike and Clare Barry for reports.

Cycling Celebration Success

Thanks to everyone who came out last night for the second of what we hope will become an annual celebration of cycling. Approximately 150 people filled the Steamwhistle Brewery, for a chance to meet and show their appreciation for top Ontario and Canadian athletes, including Michael Barry, Roland Green, Sue Palmer, Chrissy Redden and legend Steve Bauer. We were particularly pleased to see so many younger fans who were there to meet their heros. Also in attendance were members of Ontario's Canada Summer Games team, who received plaques from our celebrity guests. Roland Green gave a inspiring speech, talking about his season, and how when he started cycling he never would have believed it was possible to become a world champion.

Special kudos to the Ontario Cycling Association for their organizational skills, Adam Ruppel for the sound system and Krys Hines for the espresso machine!